Travel Advice

Advice for holidaymakers or those travelling abroad

Attacks in the UK and abroad remind us all of the terrorist threat we face. Police and security agencies are working tirelessly to protect the public but it is also important that communities remain vigilant and aware of how to protect themselves if the need arises.

National Counter Terrorism policing is providing advice to the public on the steps they can take to keep themselves safe in the rare event of a firearms or weapons attack.

The police service has released the short public information film called 'Stay Safe: Firearms and Weapons Attack' which sets out the key options for keeping safe should the worst happen. You can watch the film here

The film advises those who get caught up in an incident to 'run, hide and tell' - guidance which can be applied to any place. We know that from case studies and real life testimony based on the experiences of people who have survived attacks the advice given in the film has saved lives.

RUN

Escape if you can

Consider the safest options

Is there a safe route? RUN if not HIDE

Can you get there without exposing yourself to greater danger?

Insist others leave with you

Leave belongings behind

HIDE

If you cannot RUN, HIDE

Find cover from gunfire

If you can see the attacker, they may be able to see you

Cover from view does not mean you are safe, bullets go through glass, brick, wood and metal

In the same way people plan how to respond to a fire it also makes sense to plan the response to a firearms or weapons attack. These are emotive subjects but experience shows by becoming more alert to surroundings and plan and think ahead people have far greater chance of surviving.

Further Advice

citizenAID is a simple, clear teaching aid for immediate actions and first aid for a stabbing, bomb incident or mass shooting. Building on Run, Hide Tell, this helps people understand what to do in the event of an attack.